At first glance, Can Tho seems to be a bustling city, with a stream of commerce flowing continuously down the Hau River. But treat yourself to a room on its leafy banks, dine on its sun-ripened fruits and fresh river fish, glide on sampans through its sultry canals, and you’ll soon realise Can Tho’s big city facade is just half the story. The other half? Misty sunrises over the water, lazy afternoons swaying in a hammock, and balmy evenings announced by a chorus of insects. Under the Mekong Delta’s blazing blue skies, Can Tho leaves a vivid impression.
Top things to do in Can Tho
Tour the islets
Whether you go by bicycle or sampan, the islets of Can Tho are where you feel the real pulse of local life. Book a community-based tour to lunch with a local family, explore rice paper villages and fruit orchards, and enjoy a taste of pure Mekong Delta charm.
Wake up for the floating markets
It’s worth the early morning start to see Can Tho’s morning markets heaving with colourful boats and exotic produce. Cai Rang is the most famous in the area, but ask your local host about smaller floating markets where you can engage with the vendors.
Taste Hu Tieu on a boat
There’s nothing like a breakfast of steaming Hu Tieu noodles served on the water in the early morning. Sticky tapioca noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and thinly sliced pork blend together in a tasty savoury broth. Slurp it up surrounded by the sounds of the market.
Binh Thuy ancestral house
Take a step back in time to see how Can Tho’s wealthy merchant families lived. Built in 1870, this brightly painted house has housed several generations of the Duong family, and is a fascinating blend of French and Asian architecture.
Relax by the riverside
Can Tho offers several enticing places to stay, where discerning travellers can enjoy a tropical escape by the water’s edge. Spoil yourself at the Azerai Can Tho, relax with heartfelt hospitality at Victoria Can Tho, or try a sustainable homestay experience at Mekong Rustic.
Can Tho Weather
Can Tho has a tropical climate. Summers come with heavy rainfall, and most of the rest of the year is hot and dry. December and January are the coolest months. Rains fall regularly from July to November, and the heat is on from March to June.
Can Tho Transport
The international airport in Can Tho is just 20 minutes outside of the city, with flights arriving from major hubs in Vietnam. Taking passengers on the four-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City stop at the bus terminal four kilometres outside the town. It’s also possible to reach Can Tho via the Hau River, on a cruise from Ho Chi Minh City or Cambodia. Once in town, local taxis are readily available. Cycling is also an option on the islets and roads leading away from the city. Local ferries run regularly between the mainland and islets.
